Devīsūkta
The , also called the , is the 125th ' occurring in the 10th mandala of the [Rigveda|]. It was composed by the female seer Vāc Āmbhṛṇī, daughter of the sage Ambhṛṇa. In the present day, the ' is popularly chanted during the worship of the ', in the daily rituals of temples, and also in various Vedic sacrificial ceremonies like ', etc. It is also chanted at the end of . The hymn portrays the Feminine Divine as the supreme origin, creative energy, and ultimate deity. It conveys a profound, all-encompassing experience of the Self and highlights the ancient Vedic acknowledgment of women's enlightened consciousness. Furthermore, it introduces the notion of the Divine Feminine as an immanent creative force. The Vedic hymn is an important basis for Shaktism.
Sequential Index
The proper sequential occurrence of , in the [Rigveda|] text is:Significance
The ', in its apparent, general sense, is the proclamation by the ' of her own power, glory, pervasiveness, and actions. The hymn depicts the Feminine Divine as the Ultimate Source, Creative Force, and Supreme Divinity. It portrays a mystical experience of the Self as pervasive, unlimited, and nonlocal. It underscores the early Vedic recognition of women's enlightened awareness and introduces the idea of the Divine Feminine as immanent, experienceable creative power.The origins of Tantric Śaktism can be traced to the Vāgāmbhṛṇī Sūkta. This hymn depicts Vac as the Supreme Power, governing various deities such as Vasu, Soma, Tvasta, the Rudras, and the Adityas while also being the source of treasures, sustainer of natural forces, and bestower of favors. It encapsulates key monotheistic ideas, forming the basis of historical Sāktism.
, in his commentary, states that, – a ' – has eulogized herself in this '., having dissolved her individuality – the ego – has hence identified herself with the ', the all-pervasive ', and thus with all the forms in the universe and the functionaries thereof, has praised herself.
Hence, she is the ' of this ' and also the .